Chapter 151: The Duke of the Wang Family
On January 30th, the sixth day of the lunar calendar, Thursday, clear skies, suitable for traveling and meeting friends.
On the highway from City C to City Y, the flow of traffic was like a tapestry; during the golden holiday, countless urban men and women were racing against time to enjoy the few days off.
A rugged-looking SUV was speeding at over a hundred kilometers per hour, constantly overtaking other vehicles.
In the driver’s seat was Wan Yue, wearing a black turtleneck sweater, a wide woolen skirt, and black silk high heels, elegant and fashionable. In the back seat, Jiang Yan was dressed simply, in a knitted dress paired with thick tights and mid-heeled short boots, fresh and graceful.
The scenery outside changed continuously over the three-hour drive, from city to plain and then to mountainous areas, before crossing that awe-inspiring, roaring river.
Passing the famous bamboo sea in southern Y City, vast bamboo forests stretched out to the horizon. In winter, the bamboo sea was already a deep, rich green, no longer light and swaying, but rather stable and solid, as if it had donned a quiet winter slumber after three seasons of showiness, looking forward to next year’s beauty.
At what was probably the last highway service area before reaching their destination, Wan Yue glanced at the time and saw it had passed noon. She turned slightly and intended to take a break with Jiang Yan before continuing their journey.
Throughout the trip, aside from the music from the car’s audio system, Wan Yue surprisingly hadn’t said a word, while Jiang Yan in the passenger seat matched her silence.
Without unlocking the doors, Wan Yue rolled down the window and lit her first cigarette of the day.
“The scenery here is really nice, beautiful in all four seasons, it’s a pity it doesn’t snow… Jiang Yan, do you know why I brought you here today?”
Wan Yue turned her head back, her expression normalizing as the subtle loneliness from the journey faded away, her eyes shining brightly, sharp and proud, captivating.
Despite her curiosity from the night before, Jiang Yan still shook her head. For any arrangements made by Wan Yue, especially accompanying her on trips, she had always been unconditionally obedient, or rather felt there was no need to inquire in advance.
“The ancestor of the Wang family wants to see me, or rather, wants to see you… Lao Jin finally came through for once, giving us this opportunity; of course, there’s also a bit of luck involved.”
Huh? The ancestor of the Wang family? The duke?
At the sudden mention by Wan Yue, Jiang Yan was stunned, unable to believe her ears, or perhaps could never have guessed such a thing, completely unprepared.
“Wan Jie, are you referring to that duke from the Wang family? Did Xiao Yao and I get exposed?”
Jiang Yan swallowed hard, clenched the hem of her skirt, her voice noticeably tense.
This was one of the last three supreme vampire clans known in the world, carrying more weight than the leaders of most countries.
“If even the Tang family’s hidden bigshot knows the Wang family’s secrets, what makes you think you and Jiang Yao have any secrets in their eyes?”
“But don’t worry, it definitely won’t be a bad thing… Actually, over the past decade, I’ve expressed more than once to Lao Jin my desire to meet the Wang family ancestor. Unfortunately, my offerings haven’t caught her attention… Who would have thought this opportunity would come so suddenly, right?”
“Now, the Wang family has already been dragged into this; or rather, they have long been prepared to get involved. So, perhaps it’s time for us to meet. This would probably be my only chance to walk this tightrope.” The Wang family knows about me and Xiao Yao; Wan Jie’s trust in them is still too cautious… Or is the situation forcing her to act this way?
Jiang Yan finally managed to reassemble her shocked thoughts and gently asked, “Wan Jie, can the Wang family truly be trusted?”
Wan Yue was taken aback, then suddenly chuckled softly, nodding slightly, then shaking her head gently: “In Huaqing, if even the Wang family has ulterior motives, then it’s time to wait for the sky to collapse; I would be wasting my efforts…”
“Jiang Yan, you should have heard that all affairs of the Wang family, whether good or bad, must be handled by the headquarters of the Dark Arrow; no local inspection area has the right to interfere.”
Jiang Yan quickly nodded, then cautiously looked at Wan Yue, hesitating: “Wan Jie, are you suggesting that besides dealing with the black blood clan, does the Wang family have any deeper relationship with the state and Dark Arrow?”
“It’s probably deeper than you think.” D Red paused at her lips, and Wan Yue blinked a few times. For example, the Wang family ancestor we’re about to meet has been difficult to view with the eyes of ordinary people or even vampires.
“She made significant efforts during the anti-Japanese war over eighty years ago, leading the Wang family’s youth to fight fiercely against the numerous vampire factions in Japan, and has helped several nationalist armed forces, earning considerable merit.”
“In the early years of the new Huaqing nation, in addition to combating black blood clans and some external vampire influences, the Wang family also put in efforts and finances for national infrastructure and sheltered overseas scholars returning home, which led to a tacit understanding with Dark Arrow.”
“One could say that the number of jobs provided and families supported by the Wang family’s domestic industries is an unimaginable figure. This is why the old tortoise is closely tied to the country’s development. With the Wang family’s shares, the Zhong family has gained more leverage.”
Wan Yue smiled, sharing an insider story known only to those at a certain level, sparking endless speculation in Jiang Yan.
“After thousands of years, the Wang family, as a traditional great clan, has long understood the rules of this world. They know when to be honest and when to exert effort, and the state will not act lightly. Moreover, due to a shared stance against the black blood clan and foreign hostile forces, they have some undisclosed cooperation.”
“In this world, only vampires truly understand vampires; otherwise, do you think some precise intelligence from Dark Arrow simply falls from the sky?”
Jiang Yan accepted this information quickly, no longer surprised; in fact, she had already conjectured a lot of it.
However, there was still something amiss, and in a lowered voice, Jiang Yan questioned: “Wan Jie, even so, can the state really endure and continue to coexist peacefully with the Wang family? Eliminating vampires is, after all, Dark Arrow’s mission…”
“Every stage has its core contradictions and main enemies. Right now, the state’s attitude toward the Wang family and us should be cause for relief, don’t you think? As long as the Wang family doesn’t collapse, it is beneficial for the country at this stage.”
“To be honest, without these old tortoises, Dark Arrow might not be able to fend off the external dark forces. This country has suffered far too much hardship in the past…”
Wan Yue put away her makeup box and reached out to pat Jiang Yan’s head.
This affectionate gesture was like a parent educating a child.
Having faith is one thing, but making a living is another. After all, everyone lives under one roof, sharing meals, and one never knows when they might need to help each other out.
For Dark Arrow, power and resources are ultimately limited, while the depth of traditional vampire clans is profound. It’s not just the Wang family; even the Zhou family in the east and the Liang family in the south would not be easily subdued by all of Dark Arrow’s efforts, which might drive these families underground and create a deadly rivalry—far more troublesome.
Decades ago, the former Soviet Union made a reckless move, applying indiscriminate suppression, resulting in… Chernobyl, which was a revenge by those great clans… How could vampires, who have been playing in civilized society for over two thousand years, be so easily crushed, even though normal humans now hold many visible advantages?
Finished speaking, Wan Yue stretched, opened the car door, and looked completely relaxed. “Alright, let’s get out, take a break, grab something to eat, and continue our journey to see the Wang family ancestor as soon as possible.”
…
Ahead was an ordinary electric tricycle, moving slowly to lead the way, with a luxury SUV sluggishly following behind. This peculiar combination looked particularly comical in the serene and secluded bamboo valley.
Twisting and turning, bumping along the road, occasionally needing to avoid the now-rare rural donkeys, cows, and poultry, Wan Yue’s SUV finally stopped in front of a rural villa surrounded by green water around two o’clock in the afternoon.
Though called a villa, it was not much different from the multi-story small Western-style houses built by most rural residents. Modest in scale, with a rustic appearance, and using simple materials, it was unremarkable anywhere in the countryside. Compared to Wan Yue’s exquisite and luxurious private villa at the foot of Longquan Mountain, the Wang family ancestor’s place felt worlds apart in visual quality.
Jiang Yan even felt a sense of déjà vu, as if she had returned to the small rural house where they settled after the initial vampire invasion on the outskirts of City D.
The middle-aged villager leading the way said nothing, simply made a respectful inviting gesture, and then drove away on the swaying farmer’s tricycle.
With a chaotic sense, that uncle must be at least a baron… Looking at the departing tricycle and then back at the rural villa, Jiang Yan was privately astonished.
“Don’t be too surprised; I heard the Wang family’s head housekeeper is still a lower-tier earl…”
Wan Yue smiled, her expression remaining accustomed to it all, as this was the foundation of a thousand-year-old great clan.
Jiang Yan embarrassedly stuck out her tongue, adjusted her clothes and demeanor, steadied her mindset, then followed Wan Yue out of the car, standing in front of the door, no longer speaking.
“Are you Miss Wan and Miss Jiang? The family head just woke from his nap; please come to the tea room to relax.”
The door opened, and a middle-aged woman dressed as a housekeeper stood at the entrance, polite and formal.
Luxury, and another baron? The unfamiliar middle-aged housekeeper exuded the same chaotic aura, leaving Jiang Yan in a state of confusion once again.
…
The steaming hot tea was served, and Wan Yue was as relaxed as ever, while Jiang Yan began to feel anxious, clutching the teacup for a long time without letting go or taking a sip.
“Isn’t it a bit remote here? Oh, such a striking young lady? No need to get up; just sit down.”
Suddenly, a soft elderly female voice rang out, followed by a laugh.
A kind-looking elderly woman walked in, stopping Wan Yue and Jiang Yan from standing up.
Appearing to be around seventy years old, she wore a very ordinary home outfit, yet one could vaguely see the overwhelming beauty of her youth. She seemed like a retired woman who, despite being unable to find peace, had spent half her life working hard for her husband and children, still helping to take care of grandchildren.
The elderly lady sat down, less than two meters away from Wan Yue and Jiang Yan.
It turned out the ancestor of the Wang family was a woman; it was hard to imagine… Just after a two-second glance, when the other party’s gaze swept over, Jiang Yan quickly lowered her head.
But why could she sense nothing, not even the signature chaotic aura of high-level vampires above baron level, as if she were just an ordinary person? Was the realm of dukes really about returning to simplicity?
When the elderly lady picked up her teacup, Jiang Yan’s heart surged.
“Wan Yue, right? The apprentice of the hermit alliance’s Chu Dali, now the leader of the Lark, not bad, quite generous, with a sharp edge.”
One of the three dukes of the vampire world, the Wang family ancestor smiled at the obedient-looking Wan Yue in front of her, gently asking a question, seemingly impressed.
“Yes, elder.” Wan Yue quickly stood up and bowed deeply.
“Mm, not bad, smarter than that Chu Dali fellow, having insight, knowing to seize opportunities to sharpen her shortcomings, to accumulate and unleash her potential. He must still be urging you to advance into slumber with all haste; that old man does have skill in combat, but his brain isn’t quite as up to par.”
Old Lady Wang chuckled, virtually patting Wan Yue on the head, as if she were a grandmother doting on her granddaughter.
She had already noticed that Wan Yue was suppressing her advancement to viscount, but completely different from Master Chu’s evaluation, it appeared she was very encouraging of Wan Yue to maintain this state.
Hearing the Wang family ancestor directly see through her true nature, even recognizing the meaning behind suppressing her advancement to viscount, Wan Yue finally showed an anxious expression.
So-called geniuses, in the face of such deeply experienced top-tier figures, found it almost impossible to hide.
As she spoke, the Wang family ancestor turned her attention to Jiang Yan: “Jiang Yan, Xia Yan. Jiang Yao, Gu Yao. Dark Arrow’s Xuan Jia unit… sigh, poor little girl, encountering such unfortunate events…”
With that, the elderly lady gently sighed.
Hearing her true name suddenly come from the Wang family ancestor, Jiang Yan felt a wave of discomfort wash over her. Although there was no pressure from any aura, she still felt as though she had been struck by lightning, her limbs beginning to weaken and tremble slightly.
Jiang Yan wanted to rise and bow like Wan Yue, but she couldn’t muster the strength for a long while, her joints stiffening and her head growing heavy.
“Don’t be afraid, little girl; after a few hundred years, I’ve seen it all. You two are fine; whatever you can keep safe, you’ve kept safe…”
Seeing Jiang Yan dazed by her opening line, the Wang family ancestor smiled kindly, still with a gentle demeanor.
“O-Old Ancestor, didn’t similar situations arise before with my sister and me?”
Noticing the other party seemed unfazed, Jiang Yan gathered her courage, raised her head, and displayed a serious expression. At this moment, her heart even surged with an immense sense of longing.
“That unspeakable thing has come in several times over the past two hundred years; they called that hideous creature grandmother. But in my view, that is something that shouldn’t exist in the eighteenth layer of hell; anyone infected by that grandmother has without exception become insane.”
A cold flicker suddenly passed through Lady Wang’s eyes but quickly returned to her warm demeanor:
“However, your situation is the first I’ve seen. Both you and Jiang Yao are doing well; otherwise, the Wang family would have eliminated you long ago.”
“Ha ha, now, you two little girls are treasures in the hands of your elders. Since you survive, don’t overthink; cherish yourselves and protect yourselves… If anything happens, your elders will take it on first.”
The elderly lady was humorous, and as her words finished, Wan Yue couldn’t help but laugh shyly.
Grandmother? So the bigshot who infected me and Xiao Yao is called this, and she has appeared in Huaqing more than once? Jiang Yan privately noted this, yet still felt some relief.
“After so many years going in circles, with technology rapidly advancing, maybe it’s time for a change in thought. I also want to try something… Today, I brought you here not just for idle chit-chat, but mainly to give the two little girls some gifts and see if any surprises arise in the future.”
With that, the Wang family ancestor lightly clapped her hands, and the previous baron-level housekeeper entered, carrying an ancient wooden box.
“In these past two hundred years, the world has changed rapidly; I’ve slept for ten years, awoken for ten years, and have struggled to keep up. Many notions now differ from before.”
“The issues of mental and physical mastery regarding you two little girls have been collected by the Wang family as well. Not to say everything, but at least there are complete inner and outer cultivation methods from four ancient vampire lines.”
The Wang family ancestor took the wooden box and pushed it toward Wan Yue: “Wan girl, you’re also a rare genius, able to deduce and create your own cultivation methods. You little prodigy, in my eight hundred years of life, I’ve only ever seen two or three like you…”
“As for them, their time as vampires is too short; their understanding of themselves barely scratches the surface. You take your time to study these contents, then use your own understanding to teach them.”
As she spoke, the Wang ancestor pointed at Jiang Yan with her finger.
Wan Yue suddenly stood up, reverently holding the wooden box, her face full of excitement, yet she remained silent, bowing deeply again.
As for Jiang Yan, she was already becoming numb from the shock, feeling this was no mere coincidence from above.
“Quick, bow to the elder…”
Seeing the girl beside her still in a daze, Wan Yue quickly nudged her gently.
“Ah, okay, thank… thank you, elder!”
Jiang Yan snapped back to her senses and immediately left her seat.
Having no other thoughts, she quickly bowed down; this was an immense opportunity for inheritance, unrelated to personal dignity or status.
Anything that flowed from the hands of the Wang family duke was priceless, not to be measured by money.
“Alright, little girl, you can go play while I have a chat with your elder…”
The Wang family ancestor lightly waved her hand toward Jiang Yan, who finally regained bodily awareness and stood up, her heart racing.
As the tea room door closed silently behind her, looking at the garden rocks of the villa, Jiang Yan suddenly grew calm again.
What was the Wang family aiming for with such a huge favor? Was it merely because Xiao Yao and I belonged to the rarer bloodline? Jiang Yan was confused, yet couldn’t come up with a reason.
